Throughout your doctoral studies you will be asked to evaluate research and related problem statements. Occasionally you will be asked to write a problem statement as part of a course assignment. In fact, your dissertation itself will rely heavily on a problem statement. For now, however, let's consider the key elements of a problem statement.
As the term infers, a problem statement states a problem that may deserve further investigation.
The process of preparing a problem statement begins with identifying the general topic or problem, just as you do with any paper. You then expand upon it by asking the five W's and H questions:
• Who does it affect or not affect?
• What does it affect or not affect?
• Where is it a problem or not a problem?
• When is it a problem or not a problem?
• Why is it important that the problem be addressed?
• How does it affect or not affect (people, situation, etc.)?
Once you have addressed each question, it's time to rewrite your problem statement incorporating your answers to each of these questions.
A well-written problem statement describes an issue or problem that needs to be solved or at least researched to see if a solution is possible. As a scholarly writer, an effective problem statement is one that presents a well-defined issue or problem to the reader and indicates, using supporting materials, that some type of resolution is possible. The challenge to the writer is locating relevant research focused on the problem and careful analysis of its contributions or implications toward solving the problem.
While writing a problem statement may be a new endeavor for you, rest assured you will have plenty of practice in preparing problem statements as you move through your doctoral studies. It will help you better identify the purpose of your writing and provide direction to the reader about what issues you will address.
Problem Statement vs. Research-Worthy Problem Statement
As you progress through your courses, your instructors likely will note you have identified a problem, but not necessarily a research-worthy problem. What is the distinction? A problem statement is just that: it briefly outlines a problem. A research-worthy problem statement goes beyond just outlining the problem. It is carefully reasoned, with the arguments laid out logically and supported with relevant research and theoretical foundations. It also addresses the 5Ws and an H: who, what, when, where, why and how.
Assignment
You will prepare quite a few problem statements in your doctoral program, culminating in an extensive and comprehensive problem statement that outlines your dissertation project. For now, however, your task is to use the topic from Week 2 to draft a problem statement.
Specifically, be sure your problem statement addresses the following:
• Introduce the problem and explain its importance for research.
o Ensure you present a clear thesis statement that provides direction for your problem statement. Note: A problem statement generally is 300-500 words; however, for this assignment you will draft a problem statement and then provide a lengthier overview of the problem to your professor who will assist you in refining your problem statement.
• Next, provide background information on the problem.
o Remember to support your writing with the resources you have located.
o Some key points you will want to cover in the background section include:
1. What has research determined about the problem?
2. Have there been any controversies related to the problem?
• Conclude with an explanation of why it is important to study the problem.
Remember to support your problem statement with the research you have located in previous weeks including the five articles you located in Week 6. Also be sure to submit the doi/NCU library link or PDF file of the article to your instructor.
Length: 5-7 pages.